Guide us O God to be the best we can be; in every thought, in every word and every deed
We take the safeguarding of our pupils very seriously here at St Mary and St Andrew’s Primary School.
Support by our Safeguarding Governor, Mrs Jo Hayhurst, Mrs Sarah Roach, the Headteacher, is the Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Mrs Katie Jones is the Deputy DSL. Our primary consideration is that of the child and their wellbeing, be that physically, mentally or emotionally. All incidents, comments and allegations will be fully investigated and where necessary, referred to the appropriate local authority team via the MASH (multi agency safeguarding hub) and LCSC (Lancashire Children’s Social Care).
Our Safeguarding policy and procedures, which can be found in the policies section of our website, comply with:
- Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education
- Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021
- Working Together to Safeguard Children
- Children’s Safeguarding Assurance Partnership
A referral can be made by anyone, including members of the public if they have concerns regarding the safety of a child. Within the school, a referral will be made by one of the Designated Safeguarding Leads. If you have any concerns regarding the wellbeing of a child, please call Lancashire Children’s Social Care – you can do this anonymously if you wish. Please see details below.
We produce newsletters to support our messages, shared via our social media platforms and alongside our other news items to families
Concerned about a Child?
Call 0300 123 6720 or out of hours 0300 123 6722.
If you think a child is in immediate danger – don’t delay call the police on 999.
The NSPCC website has advice about the signs, symptoms and effects of child abuse and neglect.
Adverse childhood experiences
Please watch this video to help understand the impact negative experiences in childhood can have in adulthood. Our staff are trained in identifying indicators of adverse childhood experiences and follow strict guidelines of how to report them.
Operation Encompass
In conjunction with Lancashire Police, St Mary & St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School is involved in a national initiative called, “Operation Encompass”. The purpose of Operation Encompass is to safeguard and support children and young people who have been involved in, heard or witnessed a domestic abuse incident. The reporting Police Officer will contact school before 9am on the next school day to ensure that the child/children is warmly welcomed into school, given a safe space to talk – if needed – and that communication between the family and school is strong.
Following an incident, children will often arrive at school distressed, upset, worried and unprepared. Operation Encompass aims to ensure that appropriate school staff are made aware early enough to help and support children and young people in a way that means they feel safe and included.
This is a valuable initiative that means we can help and support students and their families within our school when they need us most.
You can find out more information by visiting the Operation Encompass website (click the button below) or by contacting Mrs Roach or Mrs Jones at school.
